USS Lincoln’s 5,000 sailors arrive in Thailand for break after 280-day deployment

On Wednesday morning, the USS Abraham Lincoln, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier carrying approximately 5,000 sailors and Marines, docked at Laem Chabang Port in Thailand. The carrier has been deployed for nearly a year, sparking concerns over the living conditions on board. Rear Admiral Robert Loughran, commander of Carrier Strike Group 3, stated that the stop in Laem Chabang offers "a well-deserved opportunity for our Sailors and Marines to rest and recharge."

The port call also underscores the strong relationship between the United States and Thailand. For the city of Pattaya, the arrival of the USS Lincoln represents a much-needed boost during a typically slow season. Mayor Poramase Ngampiches expects the sailors to spend between $2.5 million to $3.75 million during their five-day stay, touching businesses such as restaurants, bars, hotels, and massage parlors.

The tourism federation of Chonburi, Pattaya's province, reported a 20%-30% drop in visitor numbers and low hotel occupancy rates. The arrival of the USS Lincoln provides a significant injection of cash into the city's economy.